Ohio History Journal

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HISTORY

HISTORY

 

OF THE

Ohio State Archaeological and Historical Society.

During the year 1875, an archeological society was formed at General

Brinkerhoff's home, in Mansfield, Ohio. This society, through the efforts

of General Brinkerhoff, received an appropriation from the State of Ohio

of two thousand five hundred dollars, to be expended in making an

exhibit at the Centennial Exposition at Philadelphia.  Prof. John T.

Short, of the Ohio State University, was secretary of the society, and

it flourished under his secretaryship until his untimely death, when the

society became dormant and practically inoperative. Governor Hoadley,

who took an active interest in all matters pertaining to the archaeology

and history of the State, upon his accession to office conferred with

Mr. A. A. Graham and suggested a revival of the old society. A meet-

ing for the purpose of carrying into effect this suggestion was called

to convene at the Secretary of State's office, on the twelfth day of Feb-

ruary, 1885. A number of prominent gentlemen, including leading citi-

zens, scholars and professors from various parts of the State, responded

to this call, and decided to extend to all persons in the State interested

in the formation of such a society, an invitation to meet on the twelfth

day of March following, at Columbus, Ohio. In response to the cir-

culars sent out, some sixty gentlemen from all parts of Ohio, represent-

ing the various departments of scholarship, convened on the day specified

in the Library Room of the State Capitol. The meeting having been

called to order by Hon. S. S. Rickly, the Hon. Allen G. Thurman was

made President, and Mr. A. A. Graham elected Secretary. This con-

vention continued in session for two days and resulted in perfecting an

organization known as The Ohio State Archaeological and Historical Society,

which was duly incorporated on the 13th day of March, 1885. The Articles

of Incorporation succinctly set forth the purposes and aims of the Society.

The following have served as Presidents of the Society since its

organization: Allen G. Thurman, Francis C. Sessions, Rutherford B.

Hayes and Roeliff Brinkerhoff.

For thirteen years the Society has faithfully pursued the lines of study

and investigation for which it was organized, and has held regular annual

meetings at Columbus. In that time it has accumulated a valuable col-

lection of relics and antiquities, now consisting of over 20,000 specimens,

mostly archaeological in character, but embracing also many papers and